Hon Chong

The basics

A number of tiny islands, one topped with a Buddhist temple, stud the sea close to Hon Chong, which takes its name from a single giant rock, Hon Chong. As the story goes, this is all that remains of a drunken giant after angry water spirits pushed him off a cliff. Heaven’s Gate, with a rock teetering atop two larger stones, is another popular photo choice. Many Nha Trang city tours–be they half-day, full-day, private, or shore excursions–stop by Hon Chong rocks for a look at the view.

Things to know before you go

• Hon Chong is a great choice for photographers. Opt for sunrise, rather than sunset, as the rock faces east.
• There is a small charge to visit Hon Chong (including the café), payable in cash on the day. The beach is free of charge.
• Shoes with a decent grip are extremely helpful when walking on the rocks.
• The Hon Chong rocks are not wheelchair-accessible or stroller-friendly.
• Don’t confuse Nha Trang’s Hon Chong promontory with the beach resort of the same name near the Cambodian border. It’s 450 miles (725 kilometers) away.

How to get there

The Hon Chong promontory juts out into the ocean about 2.5 miles (4 kilometers) north of central Nha Trang. Bus number 3 runs along the waterfront Tran Phu street and stops at the rocks.

When to get there

The Hon Chong promontory is open all year round, but can get extremely busy at popular times of year. Visit early in the day to beat the crowds. January–September is the best time to visit Nha Trang, which can be rainy and overcast during the wet season (October–December).

Nha Trang’s Essential Sights

Most travelers come to Nha Trang for wide sands, warm waters, and coral-fringed islets. But the city has a couple of signature attractions: the Long Son Pagoda, home to a 79-foot (24-meter) Buddha statue, and the Po Nagar Cham Towers, some of which date back more than 1,000 years. For inland adventure, take a Cai River cruise or head to the rocky Ba Ho Waterfall.